Discover the main differences between the abdomen and the stomach: Everything you need to know
El abdomen and stomach They are two terms that are often confused, but in reality they refer to different parts of the human body. Understanding the differences between the two is essential to have a more precise knowledge of our anatomy and be able to adequately describe any discomfort or symptoms related to these areas.
In this article, we will explain to you in a clear and concise way the Main differences between the abdomen and the stomach, so that you can distinguish them correctly and better understand how these parts of your body work.
The abdomen: The region that houses multiple organs
The abdomen is the body region located between the thorax and the pelvis. This area contains a large amount of vital organs, as:
- Stomach
- Bowels
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Kidneys
The abdomen is delimited by the rib cage at the top and by the pelvis on the bottom. Abdominal muscles, such as the rectus abdominis and obliques, cover and protect internal organs.
The stomach: The specific digestive organ
On the other hand, the stomach is a specific organ located within the abdominal cavity, in the upper left part. Its main function is digestion of food that we ingest.
The stomach is “J” shaped and connected to the esophagus at its upper end and at small intestine at its lower end. The walls of the stomach are made up of muscles that contract to mix food with gastric juices, thus starting the digestive process.
Different but interrelated functions
Although the abdomen and stomach are different structures, their functions are closely related. The stomach, being part of the digestive system, plays a crucial role in processing food within the abdominal cavity.
The disorders that affect the stomach, such as gastritis or ulcers, can cause pain or discomfort in the abdomen. However, not all abdominal pain is related to the stomach, as other organs in this region can also be the cause.
How to correctly describe symptoms
When reporting symptoms to a health professional, it is important to be precise in describing the location and nature of the discomfort. For example, pain in the upper abdomen may be related to the stomach, while pain in the lower abdomen could indicate a problem in the stomach. intestines or in the reproductive organs.
Using specific terms like “stomach pain” or “abdominal discomfort” helps doctors understand identify more easily the possible cause of the problem and provide appropriate treatment.
In summary, although the abdomen and stomach are closely related, it is crucial to understand that they are different structures with specific functions. The abdomen is a wide region which houses multiple organs, while the stomach is a individual organ within that region, responsible for the initial digestion of food.
Knowing these differences will allow you to more accurately describe any discomfort or symptom you experience, thus facilitating a diagnosis and more effective treatment by health professionals.